Orders to Washington, DC, military bases (spread among DC, Virginia, and Maryland) are often met with excitement and trepidation. There’s the traffic, the expense, and the sheer size of the Washington, DC, metro area, otherwise known as the National Capital Region (NCR), to consider. The relocation can be overwhelming, and not just for first-timers.
If an easy commute and relatively affordable real estate are high on your priority list, you should seriously consider condo life. Condos usually come equipped with a long list of perks, like off-street parking and convenient walking distances to a public transportation stop.
Condos can be a military home buyer’s first entrance into the DC real estate market but lead to an investment opportunity after the next PCS cycle. The city and suburbs comprising the collective "DC area" is full of condos, so the market is always bustling, thanks to continuous demand from a wide variety of buyers and renters.
First Things Military Condo Buyers and Renters Should Consider
You already know about some of the positive points about condos:
- More affordable than single-family homes
- Often in walkable neighborhoods
- Low maintenance
However, as a military member with an unusual lifestyle, you must ensure your condo property offers the practicalities you need.
Amenities. If you PT at home because you don’t want to ride public transportation with sweaty workout clothes, make sure the pool or workout area fits your needs.
Storage space. Condos tend to have less square footage. Will your professional gear need its own offsite storage?
Extended travel. If a deployment or extended TDY has you away, what services are available to check on your property?
Rental opportunities. Some condo associations don't let owners rent their properties. If you think landlord life is possible, ensure the option is available.
Public transportation. Chances are, you chose a condo to walk to work or use public transit. Verify your routes before signing a contract.
Photo by kickstand from Getty Images Signature from Canva.com
Washington, DC Commuting Options
Let’s talk about savings. Do you know about the Mass Transportation Benefit Program? The government subsidizes public transportation costs for NCR military members. Servicemembers apply for transit passes equal to their commuting costs, up to $315 per month, excluding parking costs. Every bit of savings helps in this high-cost-of-living area, so take advantage of the program if you’re eligible.
If you use one of the resources below, use their app or text capabilities for updates on delays and route changes.
Metrorail
Metrorail is the area’s most extensive commuting train system, with routes that reach VA, MD, and DC. It moves thousands of people all day, has reliable schedules, and eliminates the misery of sitting in DC traffic. There’s even a direct stop at the Pentagon’s entrance.
Metro Buses
Metro buses are plentiful and have stops throughout the NCR. Their stops are often close to popular neighborhoods with Metro train stations. The official website for maps, schedules, and locations answers many of your questions and will calculate your best commute options between rail and bus.
Virginia Commuting
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
"The Virginia Railway Express is a commuter rail service that operates Monday through Friday from the Northern Virginia suburbs to Washington, DC. We primarily travel northbound in the morning, towards Washington, and southbound during the evening, towards Manassas (along I-66) and Fredericksburg (along I-95)."
Fairfax Connector
Fairfax County created a bus system to assist commuters in the area. Riders headed to Fort Belvoir from surrounding neighborhoods often use this option. These bus routes also run to important Metro and VRE stops.
DASH
The DASH bus system is specific to the City of Alexandria and helps commuters get to and from connections between Metro trains and buses, the VRE, and local bus routes.
Photo from Shutterstock
Maryland Commuting
MARC Trains and Buses
Similar to Virginia’s VRE, the Maryland Transit Administration operates a commuter train system, as well as local buses and shuttles. Many of these options have schedules that connect to the Metro system. Commuters near Fort Meade can use the MARC station in Odenton, Maryland, and ride shuttles onto base.
District of Columbia Commuting
DC Circulator
In addition to Metro access, the District Department of Transportation’s DC Circulator operates distinct red buses with low floors, oversized windows, and multiple doors for easy on-and-off service. The system provides six routes across Washington, DC, and Rosslyn, VA. The Circulator services each stop every 10 minutes.
Photo from Shutterstock
Biking
More people than you’d think bike to the Metro train and local bus stops. Thanks to loading accessories on trains and buses, it's very doable.
The Washington, DC, area is one of the best places to find desirable condos with easy commutes. When researching a new home, it's best to start with your duty station location and seek transportation options from there. Home sellers and landlords often mention key public transportation options in the listing.
Filter your MilitaryByOwner housing search with the “Condo” option to find your next home faster.
Looking for something a little more suburban? These cities near the Pentagon work well for many military families:
